Our story
Built on a Deep
Understanding
of
Maltese Buildings
Econova was born from a simple frustration: too many Maltese properties were being treated with the wrong materials. We set out to change that — one breathable system at a time.
Why We Started Econova
Malta’s buildings are unique. Centuries of Globigerina limestone construction, combined with a humid Mediterranean climate and the increasing use of modern cement renders, have created a perfect storm of humidity, salt damage and condensation problems.
When founder Paul Cardona began his career in building renovation, he quickly realised that the standard solutions — cementitious renders, gypsum, vapour barriers, chemical damp-proof courses — were making things worse. These materials trap moisture, accelerate salt crystallisation and often may cause the very damage they claim to prevent.
After training with RÖFIX in Austria, Conservation experts in Italy and Ireland, Paul returned to Malta with a clear mission: to introduce system-based, breathable renovation solutions specifically designed for Maltese substrates and climate conditions.
Today, Econova is Malta’s leading specialist in humidity solutions and breathable renovation — trusted by homeowners, architects, conservation officers and property developers across the islands.
How We Work
Four principles that guide every project we take on.
Diagnose First
We never guess. Every engagement starts with a thorough moisture survey and root-cause analysis.
Breathability Over Barriers
We believe buildings must breathe. We reject vapour-barrier thinking in favour of vapour-open systems.
Respect for Heritage
Malta's limestone buildings deserve materials that work with them, not against them. We only specify compatible systems.
Long-Term Relationships
We follow up. We check in. We want to know our solutions are still performing years after installation.
Our Journey
From a single damp survey to Malta’s most trusted breathable renovation specialist.
2012
Started as an idea and helping a few friends. This was the origin of Econova in Malta, focusing on damp diagnosis and lime plaster remediation.
2016
Partnered with Arreghini Italy to introduce breathable mineral & lime paint systems to the Maltese market.
2020
Introduced Rofix Renopor Humidity-Regulating System – internal board system to tackle condensation, mould and salt-laden walls, completing a full breathable renovation offering.
2014
On an in-depth search for limestone-compatible plastering systems: met RÖFIX (est. 1883) – and started training local tradesmen on proper application and introducing Rofix lime plastering systems.
2020
Launched Ambientika HRV ventilation installations — addressing lack of air changes and condensation at source in modern apartments and traditional buildings.
2025
Over 100 properties treated across Malta and Gozo.
The Team Behind Econova
Specialists in breathable building science, trained across Europe and rooted in Malta.
Founder & Lead Consultant
Paul Cardona
For Paul, the love of Maltese traditional buildings began in childhood.
He still remembers his grandfather preparing lime wash for the family farmhouse, mixing lime in large tubs of water, covering it, and allowing it to mature patiently for months. He would then watch as layer after layer was applied to the old limestone walls. The process was slow, simple and deeply respectful of the building. Many years later, those farmhouse walls still looked remarkably well preserved.
That memory planted a seed.
After years of international experience in trade, consultancy and business development, Paul returned to Malta with a deeper appreciation for the island’s historic buildings and the materials that once protected them so well. Econova grew from that passion: a wish to help Maltese homeowners, architects and contractors deal with damp, salts and poor ventilation in a more intelligent and respectful way.
Today, Paul’s work combines technical advisory in both Ireland and Malta, advising on the right solutions for historic and traditional buildings. Having trained extensively on traditional lime-based knowledge as well as modern building physics, he specialises in offering breathable, compatible solutions for Malta’s limestone buildings and modern properties alike.
Away from work, Paul finds balance in his garden and through Tai Chi practice, two quiet reminders that patience, observation and working with nature often lead to the best results.
Administration Manager
Valeriia Cardona
Valeriia is the person who helps keep Econova moving while Paul is out on site, inspecting walls, discussing lime plasters, and disappearing into technical conversations about humidity and salts.
With a background in finance and economics, Valeriia stepped in when the business began to grow and the day-to-day organisation needed a more structured hand. Today, she looks after administration, customer coordination and many of the first enquiries that come through Econova.
She is often the first point of contact for clients, helping gather the initial details about their property, the symptoms they are seeing, and the support they may need before Paul takes over with the technical assessment. Her work helps ensure that every enquiry is followed up properly and that clients feel guided from the very beginning.
Away from the business, Valeriia has a keen interest in the Ayurvedic way of life and cooking, bringing care, balance and attention to detail into both home life and the behind-the-scenes rhythm of Econova.
In short: while Paul is on site diagnosing the walls, Valeriia keeps the wheels turning.
chief Supurrrrrvisor
Bob the Cat
Certifications & Credentials
Conservation-Grade Expertise
Our credentials aren’t just certificates on a wall — they represent years of specialist training and real-world application on Maltese buildings.
RÖFIX Certified Applicator
Trained and certified by RÖFIX Austria for lime plaster systems, ensuring correct specification and application on Maltese substrates.
Heritage Malta Compatible
All systems are selected for compatibility with scheduled and heritage properties, meeting the requirements of the Malta Environment & Planning Authority.
Ambientika Ventilation Partner
Authorised installer of Ambientika single-room HRV units — the gold standard for breathable, low-energy ventilation in Mediterranean climates.
Arreghini Approved Applicator
Certified to specify and apply the full Arreghini breathable paint range, including anti-condensation and anti-mould formulations.
Diagnostic-First Methodology
Every project begins with a thorough on-site moisture survey and diagnosis — we never prescribe solutions without understanding the root cause.
Renopor Insulation Specialist
Trained in the application of Renopor perlite insulation boards — the breathable, vapour-open alternative to conventional rigid insulation.
Our Trusted System Partners
Ready to Work With Us?
Book an onsite consultation and let our team diagnose your property’s humidity challenges — and design a system that solves them permanently.